Cowboys vs. Falcons 2012: Time to release Felix Jones?

If there's any consensus among Dallas Cowboys fans, it's that the team needs some shaking up. It's been suggested by ESPN Dallas that running back Felix Jones could be a trade target. But Tom Ryle at SB Nation Cowboys blog Blogging the Boys goes a step further, saying that if the team can't net even so much as a seventh-round, Jones should be released.

Jones carried the ball 13 times for 19 yards in last Sunday's loss to the New York Giants while starting in place of injured running back DeMarco Murray. Only five of those carries came in the second half while the Cowboys were overcoming a 23-point deficit to take the lead, something Ryle sees as head coach Jason Garrett's lack of faith in Jones.

Ryles suggests that even though Jones won't net much in a trade, completely getting rid of him would at least offer other running backs on the team not named Murray a shot while also sending a message to the team that such lackadaisical play isn't welcome:

"(Jones) got off to a shaky start by failing his fitness test to start training camp, then fumbled the opening kickoff against the Seattle Seahawks. With the exception of the Ravens game, he has not been very effective running the ball, and he killed a late drive by the Cowboys with another fumble that looked to be the result of lackadaisical ball security. When the team has no faith in your ability as a running back to get one yard when the opponent is not playing to stop the run, you are no longer an asset. DeMarco Murray will be back soon, and if he is not ready this week, then it may be time to givePhillip Tanner, Lance Dunbar, or even Jamize Olawale a chance."

Jones has 168 yards on 49 carries this, his fifth season in the league.

The Cowboy travel to play the Atlanta Falcons for Sunday Night Football this week. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:20 p.m. ET, and the game can be seen on NBC.